January 1, 2013

Protect who you love...



Something surprising happened during my visit with Willow today...

When I opened the gate to her pasture, she came right to me and out into the courtyard with me. She loves to eat the grass there and usually stays quite close to me. Sometimes she is more into neck scratches, mane braids,and affection; and other times she is really into grazing. Today she was ravenous... she even wandered a little farther from me than normal.. more toward the geldings' pasture. Well when she comes near, those guys line up at the fence to admire her (she just ignores them of course). So I decided to walk down the fence line while petting each one. After a bit, they all wandered off except for the beautful paint named Jazz. He was so friendly... He was super curious about my camera and just wanted me to keep petting him. So I hung out with him for a bit because Willow was still happily grazing. Then all of a sudden, Willow looked up at me... then at him... then back at me... then she pinned her ears way back and charged over toward him! She had her neck turned, ears totally pinned, and nose pointed right to him as she ran along the fenceline toward him. She totally scared him away! I wondered what would have happened had there not been a fence there. Michael and one of Martha's boarders saw the whole thing... we thought she must have been jealous, but before I could even finish telling Martha the story, she asserted, "Awww!! She was protecting you, Shana!! She loves you!!"

Protecting me? Somehow that seemed like the sweetest thing I'd ever heard.  Just a few days ago I wondered if I needed to protect myself... from loving her too much and setting myself up for heartbreak. And now here she was protecting me. I love this horse. I love her so much. I feel like I've known her my whole life and that she knows my soul.  I couldn't protect my heart if I tried...  and somehow, knowing that I can't is freeing.  Because I can completely love her with all my heart.

There is no room for fear...  ♥


13 comments:

  1. She is so beautiful Shana. I am thankful you have this beautiful creature. She is a gift.

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    1. Thank you so much... ♥ She is such a gift - you are so right. It's so nice to hear from you... xoxo

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  2. Willow is beautiful, and I love reading your blog. Your relationship with her is too precious for words.

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  3. Love this story! She knows you saved her, she feels safe with you! You both are lucky to have each other!

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  4. Love this story! She knows you saved her, she feels safe with you! You both are lucky to have each other!

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  5. This was a lovely post. It's sweet to hear you have given into the love without fear :-)
    I'm not sure how I've missed it, But how old is she?

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  6. I am not a horse or animal person really, but I love to read about Willow! Please keep posting about her because I love a good recovery story!

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  7. I am not a horse or animal person really, but I love to read about Willow! Please keep posting about her because I love a good recovery story!

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  8. I love reading your story with Willow. Always been in love with your site, your pictures and your actions. I am in Tennessee also and have been given the gift of owning two horses. Not only have you given Willow the best you can give her with care but given her your love and respect. I think horses feel that and they give back in so many ways. Simple ways, like when they stop grazing in a pasture and walk over to see you...a warm muzzle sniffing your ear...and knowing they are stronger but listening and obeying your word. They are truly a gift from God.

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  9. I love reading your story with Willow. Always been in love with your site, your pictures and your actions. I am in Tennessee also and have been given the gift of owning two horses. Not only have you given Willow the best you can give her with care but given her your love and respect. I think horses feel that and they give back in so many ways. Simple ways, like when they stop grazing in a pasture and walk over to see you...a warm muzzle sniffing your ear...and knowing they are stronger but listening and obeying your word. They are truly a gift from God.

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  10. Every time there is a new post, I think "Oh, THIS one is my favorite!"
    But I really, really think THIS one is! I am so glad you are sharing this story, I wish I could express how truly inspiring it is!

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  11. That made me cry....so beautiful. I knew right away that she was protecting you too!

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